City Government Toolkit

How can cities support vibrant, local economies?

Invest in employee ownership as a central part of their business retention strategy. Baby boomer retirements are real, and with boomers owning a significant portion of our locally-owned companies, understanding the pending impact on business retention and having the tools to address it is critical.

Sustaining quality jobs is critical to allow people to afford to live in the Bay Area and support their families. When businesses stay in operation and offer employees the option to become owners, it strengthens our local economy, provides quality jobs and increases opportunity.

Annie Campbell Washington

Vice Mayor, City of Oakland

Four practical steps cities can take to support employee ownership transitions

1. Track impact on small business ownership

Track and report on small- and medium-sized business closure rates, and capture age of business or owner

Report on years in business from city Business Licenses. How many businesses have been operating for 15 years or more?